Calendar of Courses
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S Sun
3 events,
WOODCARVING: RELIEF AND CREATIVE
Transform a block of wood into a unique picture. Bring ideas or use Sharon’s books for inspiration. Transfer a pattern, use chisels, learn techniques. Beginners and experienced. Sharon Littley (S Wales highamhall.com/sharon-littley) Residential: £605 Non-residential: £420
FULLY BOOKED: PATCHWORK QUILTING: STORM AT SEA
Use foundation piecing or templates to make this popular quilt design. You will learn how to make accurate blocks and how to join them without losing your points. Sorry, this is not suitable for beginners. Alternatively, bring your own project. Lis Binns (Lancashire highamhall.com/lis-binns) Residential: £370 Non-residential: £260 Second of two successive courses
ICONS OF FRENCH IMPRESSIONISM
Sit back and enjoy hearing about a selection from the pantheon of French artists who are still admired in the 21st century. These are superb exponents of a style-wave which broke the traditional moulds. The emergence of this phenomenon transformed perceptions and instigated a different visual landscape. Bertram Aitchison (Dumfries highamhall.com/bertram-aitchison) Residential: £270 Non-residential: £190
3 events,
FULLY BOOKED: CAPTURE SCOTTISH SCAPES: EXPLORE EXPRESSIVE MIXED MEDIA
Work with (don’t fight against) the fast-drying nature of acrylics and use mixed media to create vibrant, atmospheric paintings (from excellent reference images provided by your Tutor), layer by layer. For all levels of artist to loosen up with a willingness to get paint on hands, possibly clothes! Marion Boddy-Evans (Aberdeenshire highamhall.com/marion-boddy-evans)
3 events,
INTERMEDIATE AND ELEMENTARY WOODWIND DIRECTED BY LAURENCE PERKINS
All applications to be made initially through Laurence to ascertain ensemble line-up: www.laurenceperkins.com/wind-serenades There will be a free informal concert with participants on Sunday 11:15am. Laurence Perkins (Manchester highamhall.com/laurence-perkins) Residential: £605 Non-residential: £470 We can pick up at 5pm from Penrith Rail Station (+£40) BY PRIOR ARRANGEMENT ON PAYING BALANCE
5 events,
FULLY BOOKED: BOTANICAL COLOURED PENCIL: PLANTS TO CELEBRATE THE CLOSE OF THE YEAR
From colourful pumpkins and squashes for Halloween to evergreens, berries, nuts and cones for Christmas festivities and even the skeleton seedheads of autumn, there is a lot of choice in forms, shapes, colour and texture to inspire the botanical artist. You may wish to design a greetings card to celebrate the season. Susan Christopher-Coulson (Lancashire
FULLY BOOKED: LANDSCAPE EXPRESSIVE SEMI-ABSTRACT ACRYLIC MIXED MEDIA
Explore contemporary acrylic techniques using lots of different acrylic media on different surfaces. We will venture outdoors (weather permitting) to gain inspiration from the immediate Lakeland landscape from Higham Hall, but this course focuses on a studio response to your own source material (landscape sketches, photographs etc of your own) with a semi-abstract and exploratory
FULLY BOOKED: THE MUSIC OF WILLIAM BYRD
This year is the 400th anniversary of William Byrd (ca 1540-1623), one of the greatest English composers. This course will consider the dangerous and tumultuous context of his life and works, as a Catholic composer working at the court of the Protestant Queen Elizabeth I. Learn about the genres, resources and sounds of late Tudor
4 events,
WILLOW BASKET – BASIC (MATERIALS PROVIDED)
An old favourite! Work with Cumbria basket maker Phil Bradley to learn the techniques involved in English roundwork basketry. We will cover some of the basic elements of working with willow as well as taking a look at the growing, harvesting and managing of willow beds. Phil Bradley (Cumbria highamhall.com/phil-bradley) Residential: £390 Non-residential: £280 (incl.
5 events,
A WEEKEND WITH THE HARP
All ability levels except absolute beginners. Emphasis will be on having fun, but attention will be paid to technique, tone, accuracy and musicality. Written music supplied and specially written parts will cater for all levels. All styles - something for everyone! Guest Tutors: Eira Lynn Jones (Welsh harpist) and Luke Webb (Irish harpist) Organised by
FULLY BOOKED: RESINATE CLOISONNE & SILVER CLAY
Working entirely in Art Clay Silver, this technique begins by creating a master frame for the overall design that has a backing with a deep recess. Art Clay Silver Paper Type Long and Paper Type Plus + is cut into narrow strips which are then used to create the intricate pattern or design within the
4 events,
BEADS, BOXES AND BUTTONS (MATERIALS PROVIDED)
Discover many of the creative applications of Polymer Clay on this hands-on workshop for all abilities. Enjoy the freedom to develop your own design ideas, creating unique and distinctive objects through the use of this versatile coloured medium. What you create could go on to adorn special clothes, cards, book bindings and even artwork -
CEILIDH BAND FOLK ENSEMBLE FOR ALL
For musicians of any standard with a concert pitch instrument such as violin (fiddle), viola, cello, mandolin, mandola, banjo, ukulele, guitar, flute whistle, piano accordion, melodeon, concertina etc. Parts for transposing instruments in Bb, Eb and bass clef will be available. Play a wide range of traditional and contemporary folk music from the British Isles,
3 events,
CALICO GARDENS EMBROIDERY
Hand stitches in neutral shades with subtle enhancements creating texture and 3D effects. Beginners or experienced welcome, work on either a Calico Garden Sampler to frame, or your own project. Angie Burt (Lancashire highamhall.com/angie-burt) Residential: £365 Non-residential: £255 First of two successive courses with Angie.
3 events,
RECORDER ENSEMBLES: GRADES IV-VI
For intermediate players (roughly Grades 4-6). An opportunity to play together over a pleasant weekend with others, with expert guidance as appropriate. Annemarie Klein (Edinburgh highamhall.com/annemarie-klein) Residential: £275 Non-residential: £195
CALICO GARDENS EMBROIDERY
Hand stitches in neutral shades with subtle enhancements creating texture and 3D effects. Beginners or experienced welcome, work on either a Calico Garden Sampler to frame, or your own project. Angie Burt (Lancashire highamhall.com/angie-burt) Residential: £270 Non-residential: £190 Second of two successive courses with Angie.
3 events,
MAKING SENSE OF HUMAN ENERGIES PART 2: LIVING YOUR GOOD LIFE
MAKING SENSE OF HUMAN ENERGIES PART 2: LIVING YOUR GOOD LIFE
Humans are complex creative capable beings. In this workshop we will explore how the human energy system (and Chakra system), offers insight and access to creative energy and good health. We will look at how energy operates, how it becomes strengthened or depleted as we explore the concepts of energy protection. Through a process of
3 events,
ADVANCED LINO-CUT PRINT MAKING
This course will be of interest to experienced lino cut students wanting to make a multi-colour print using two or three separate lino blocks. A slightly technical course for more advanced students. We will be making a simple jig that you can also use at home, to improve your printmaking skills. You will still have
EXPLORING GARDENS FROM THE ARMCHAIR
A series of encapsulating talks exploring the art and meaning of gardens, gardening and flowers. (These talks may appeal to those that are fascinated by gardening but not in the mood for hard, physical graft!). Danny Wells (Derbyshire highamhall.com/danny-wells) Residential: £270 Non-residential: £190
JEWELLERY MAKING: TORCH-FIRED ENAMEL BEADS
Every bead is unique! Experiment with different effects and colours for exciting necklace and earrings, or an unusual pendant. Thread your beads professionally, using a variety of findings. Inspirational and fun for both existing beaders and newbies. Sharon Ford (Cambridge highamhall.com/sharon-ford) Residential: £485 Non-residential: £350 (incl.first bottle of MAPgas. Materials c£50 depending on project.)
4 events,
ADVANCED DRAWING: HOME, NOT A HOUSE
*NEW* Take your drawing deeper than just drawing physical buildings, so your picture can suggest a story behind it. From your own photograph, be guided to create a characterful drawn portrait of a building that will contain both substance and meaning. Ideal for artists feeling ready to develop a more sophisticated approach to their subject
6 events,
DEVELOPING YOUR ARTIST’S CREATIVITY
Join Alex, a Contemporary Visual and Fine Artist with over 25 years’ experience, to stretch how you approach your painting. Explore a variety of exercises to help you look differently at how you begin, and how you might develop your paintings. Alex’s mixed media approach will boost your ideas and freshen up what you do.
WRITING FICTION: CHARACTER AND DIALOGUE
A residential creative writing course aimed at both beginning and intermediate writers interested in flash fiction, short stories, novellas or the novel. Consisting of lectures, writing exercises and individual tutorials, enjoy uninterrupted writing time in a beautiful rural retreat. In addition to taught sessions on ‘Character’ and ‘Dialogue,’ Darren will provide you with short stories
AUTUMN YOGA RETREAT WEEKEND
Explore the Yoga tradition, balancing seasonal effects through diet, daily routine and yoga practice. Essentially practical, using posture, breathing, meditative techniques and just a tiny bit of theory. All levels. Amanda Oakes (Cumbria highamhall.com/amanda-oakes) Residential: £270 Non-residential: £190
ANIMAL PORTRAITS IN PASTEL (MATERIALS PROVIDED)
For both beginners and improvers. Complete a tutor-led portrait of a giraffe on velour paper. Learn about various types of pastel and surfaces and practice layering, blinding and building up texture. After this work on a picture of your own choosing with one-to-one help and Paul’s patient guidance. Please bring your own photographs/reference material for
8 events,
CARTOONS FOR CHRISTMAS
Similar to our March DRAW LIKE A CARTOONIST, but this time focused towards drawing Christmas cards (of course!) A really fun seasonal course for anyone (whether you are an experienced artist or a complete beginner). Colin has produced the front-page cartoon for The Westmorland Gazette since 1984. Colin Shelbourn (highamhall.com/colin-shelbourn) Residential: £280 Non-residential: £200.
AUTUMN COLOURS IN WATERCOLOUR (WITH SOME COLOURED PENCILS)
Work with Margaret’s patient, expert guidance as you gently explore your potential produce high quality pictures inspired by the natural world. Suprise yourself with what can be achieved. Suitable for all. Margaret Eggleton (Surrey highamhall.com/margaret-eggleton) Residential: £390 Non-residential: £280 (incl. field trips)
CHRISTMAS CREATIONS (MATERIALS PROVIDED)
Get into the Christmas Spirit! Arrangements will include several of the following: a cone tree, a star wreath with bells, a candle platter, a lantern or candle holder, a lit bottle, a bauble platter, a winter pot with lit contorted hazel, an angel or beaded bauble. All materials will be provided. Just bring scissors, wire
TALK & TEA: LOST CUMBRIA ON FILM
TALK & TEA: LOST CUMBRIA ON FILM
We will be heading back in time for a nostalgic trip into the past all over the county with the Cumbria Film Archive. A unique afternoon of entertainment enjoying genuinely rare and unique footage - always fascinating and always something new. See cumbriafilmarchive.com for examples of the excellent footage they have been collecting. Andrew Leitch
5 events,
A PHILOSOPHER’S GUIDE TO SPIRITUALLY FOR ATHEISTS
What is spirituality? Can it be secular or must it be sacred? Can it help to fill the god-shaped-hole left by Nietzsche? Using lectures, literature, discussion and meditation, this course will draw upon a variety of global traditions to see if, as atheists or agnostics, we can utilise the wisdom of different cultures to feel
5 events,
CHINESE BRUSH PAINTING FOR THE LESS TERRIFIED (MATERIALS PROVIDED)
You will either wish to improve your Chinese brush painting or be a painter wanting to try new techniques in this ancient artform that is still evolving. A relaxed, informative and practical course. Time will be spent on composition with a little theory from studying some masters. Lots of support and guidance provided. The emphasis
3 events,
TALK & TEA: THE PHILOSOPHY OF MIDLIFE
TALK & TEA: THE PHILOSOPHY OF MIDLIFE
Why does midlife often induce incongruous changes in one’s life? Is it that the things we have spent our lives pursuing no longer hold value? Making reference to philosopher Kieran Setiya’s distinction between existential value and ameliorative value, as well as the traditional Hindu stages of life, we will explore the value of life’s goals.
3 events,
SCULPTURAL NEEDLEFELT – WHIMSICAL WREATHS
Make a couple of Whimsical Wreaths for Christmas, decorated with needlefelted characters: Father Christmas, Reindeer, Robins and Polar Bears, felt holly, mistletoe and ivy. All these decorations will be wired and poseable - with the idea that the wreaths can be taken apart after Christmas and the characters recycled for another year, or used as
CONTEMPORARY LANDSCAPE PAINTING
Look at fresh approaches to working from the landscape, via the lens of Contemporary Painting. With exercises, briefs and tutorials, be pushed to extend your responses to your chosen media and subject matter. Steve Humble (London highamhall.com/steve-humble) Residential: £535 Non-residential: £365 (incl. field trips)